Writing on his blog, McFaul said "part of me, in an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual sense, will always remain in Russia."

McFaul noted successes in U.S.-Russian relations, pointing to progress the two countries made together in the transit of materials to Afghanistan for U.S. and foreign forces operating there, work on a new strategic arms treaty, and an increase in bilateral trade.

But his tenure saw increasingly strained ties and he often faced criticism from Russian officials.

In a subsequent message on Twitter, McFaul cited the long "commute" and a desire to "to be with my family":

McFaul is considered one of the United States' foremost experts on Russia and came to the ambassadorial post in 2011 as a firm supporter of the U.S.-Russia “reset.”

His tenure has seen frequent harassment by Russian officials and media, which have suggested he misrepresents Kremlin policy on Iran and North Korea and promoted a “revolution” mentality among the Russian opposition.